The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, has charged newly inaugurated Students’ Union leaders to prioritise peace, students’ welfare and the uninterrupted conduct of academic activities throughout their tenure.
Professor Kuta gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Students’ Union Executive Council (SU EXCO) and members of the Students’ Representative Assembly (SRA) for the 2026/2027 academic session, held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Academic Publishing Centre, Main Campus.
The inauguration marked the beginning of a new Students’ Union administration led by Comrade Musa Ibrahim Muhammad, who emerged president following the Students’ Union election conducted by the Students’ Union Independent Electoral Committee (SUIEC) on July 18, 2026.
Congratulating the new executives, Professor Kuta described student leadership as a responsibility that requires service, integrity and accountability rather than personal privilege. He urged the leaders to place the interests of the student community above individual considerations and to work constructively with the university administration.
The Vice-Chancellor said maintaining a peaceful academic environment was essential to protecting students’ education, warning that disruptions to academic activities could ultimately affect the progress and graduation of students.
He urged the Students’ Union president and members of the Students’ Representative Assembly to understand the responsibilities associated with representing a large student population, noting that effective student governance requires wisdom, commitment, consultation and a genuine willingness to serve.
Professor Kuta also advised the new executives to maintain open communication with university management and use appropriate channels to present students’ concerns. He assured them that his office would remain accessible to constructive suggestions and engagements aimed at improving students’ welfare and contributing to institutional development.
The Vice-Chancellor further cautioned students against spreading unverified information, particularly through social media, urging them to verify claims before sharing them.
He said the spread of false information could create unnecessary tension on campus and undermine the peaceful atmosphere required for teaching, learning and research.
Another issue highlighted by Professor Kuta was students’ access to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He encouraged eligible students to take advantage of the federal student financing scheme and advised those experiencing difficulties with loan refunds to report such cases to the university’s Bursary Department for appropriate attention.
The emphasis on student financing comes as the cost of higher education continues to place financial pressure on many students and their families. Access to education loans can help eligible students meet some of the financial obligations associated with their studies and reduce the risk of financial difficulties interfering with their education.
Professor Kuta also highlighted the university’s recent institutional achievements, saying FUT Minna had continued to strengthen its position among specialised universities in Nigeria.
He attributed the institution’s progress to the collective efforts of members of the university community and urged the new student leaders to contribute positively to maintaining the gains recorded by the institution.
Earlier, the Chairman of SUIEC, Professor Adamu Yusuf Kabiru, described the Students’ Union election as peaceful, transparent and credible.
He credited the university administration with providing the financial and institutional support required for the successful organisation of the election, while also acknowledging the contributions of university units and media platforms involved in the process.
Professor Kabiru, however, raised concern about the relatively low voter turnout recorded during the election.
He encouraged students to participate more actively in future Students’ Union elections, stressing that greater participation would strengthen representation and give elected leaders a broader mandate to speak on issues affecting the student population.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated SU President, Comrade Musa Ibrahim Muhammad, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and commended the university administration for providing an environment that allowed the election to take place peacefully.
Muhammad promised to operate an administration based on responsiveness, transparency and inclusiveness, with students’ welfare placed at the centre of its activities.
He identified welfare, accommodation, security and safety as areas requiring particular attention during his tenure.
The new president also referred to an armed robbery incident reportedly involving an off-campus student residence on the day of his inauguration, describing the development as unfortunate and pledging to work with relevant authorities to promote a safer environment for students.
He said his administration would maintain communication with students and pursue measures aimed at ensuring that their concerns receive appropriate attention.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Bashir Ganiyu, also congratulated the newly elected executives and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them by their fellow students.
Professor Ganiyu encouraged the leaders to remain united, maintain effective communication with the student body and place collective welfare above personal interests. He also urged them to sustain cooperation with university management while advocating responsibly for students.
The oath of office was administered by the Head of the Legal Unit, Barrister Evelyn Husseini, formally marking the assumption of office by the new executives and representatives.
The newly inaugurated Students’ Union Executive Council comprises Musa Ibrahim Muhammad, President; Sunday Danbaba Bulus, Vice-President I; Akinsoyinu Grace Oluwaferanmi, Vice-President II; Muhammad Nurudeen Liman, General Secretary; Abdulmalik Zeniatu, Assistant General Secretary; Adaji Diana Unekwu-Ojo, Financial Secretary; Mustapha Zainab Nifemi, Treasurer; Emman Shem Majesty, Public Relations Officer; Yahaya Nura, Welfare Officer I; Ekpenyong Emmanuel Etim, Welfare Officer II; Paul Nathan, Director of Socials; and Achin Kumator Samuel, Director of Sports.
The new administration begins its tenure at a time when student leadership faces the dual responsibility of advocating for welfare while ensuring that legitimate concerns are pursued without undermining teaching, learning and research.
For the new executives, the immediate challenge will be to translate their campaign promises on welfare, accommodation and security into practical engagement with the university administration while maintaining the peaceful environment required for students to complete their academic programmes successfully.
